After losing bid, Stillwell searches for new beer garden location

Owners of Stillwell bar on Barrington St. hope to open a beer garden this summer. Google

After losing a bid for space in a new Halifax waterfront outdoor venue to the Stubborn Goat Gastropub, Stillwell Beer Bar is planning to take its beer garden idea elsewhere.

Stillwell had already proposed the idea to the Waterfront Development Corporation last year. The beer garden was successfully tested, but the corporation decided to put the site on bid for this year.

The Stubborn Goat won the three-year seasonal licence to offer its food and beverage at Summit Amphitheatre.

“We were a bit disappointed, but also refreshed; having the Summit Amphitheatre off the table,” said Chris Reynolds, co-owner of Stillwell.

The Stillwell owners are now looking for a new location to set up a beer garden. They hope to make an announcement within a month.

“A few sites on the waterfront have been offered to us, but we still haven’t finalized where we’ll be,” said Reynolds.

The new outdoor venue at the Summit Amphitheatre will have live entertainment, garden games and a patio area. The venue, which hasn’t been named yet, is expected to be open daily from mid-May until October.

The Waterfront Development Corporation made the announcement about Stubborn Goat’s bid on Feb. 16. Few details were given.

“We made the decision not to release the number of bidders, or names, out of respect for the other businesses who submitted proposals,” said Jennifer Angel, the acting CEO of the Waterfront Development Corporation.

Angel said the venue will bring new jobs and revenue that will go back into supporting the waterfront development.

Geir Simensen, co-owner of the Stubborn Goat, is pleased they won the bid.

“Our Nova Scotia beer and wines that we serve have really taken off in the last few years, so I think that will be a highlight for locals and visitors,” he said.

With Stillwell offering a patio again this summer, beer drinkers will have more choices.

“We’re excited to offer Halifax the best spot to drink beer outside, period,” said Reynolds, “The best beers, the best snacks and the best vibe is always our mission.”

According to the Waterfront Development Corporation, more than 2.3 million people visited the waterfront last year.